Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1887-12-16

and that such prices are remuneratIve; and
lower prices produced by competition prove
the same thing. Thus where either OF these
conditions exist, n case would seem TO De pre-
sented for an easy reduction of taxation
The considerations which have been pre-
sented touching our tariff laws are intended
only to enforce an earnest recommendation
that the SURPLUS revenues OF the Government
be prevented by the reduction of our customs
duties, and, at the same time, TO emphasize n
suggestion that IN accomplishing this purpose
may discharge double duty 10 our people
by granting 70 them measure OF relief from
tariff taxation in quarters where 1t Is most
needed and from sources where II can be
most fairly and justly accorded.
Nor can the presentation made OF such con-
siGerations be. with any degree of fairness,
regarded as evidence or unfriendllness
toward our manufacturing interests, or of any
lack of appreciation of their value and I'M
portanCe.
These interests constitute a leading and
most substantial element of our national
greatness and furnish the proud proof OF our
country'S progress But If in the emergency
that presses upon us our manufacturers are
asked to surrender something for the public
good and TO avert disaster their patriotlsm,aS
well as grateful recognition of advantages
already afforded, should lead them Il willing
cooperation. No demand is made that they
shall forego all the benefits of governmental
regard: but they cannot fail to be admonlshed
of their duty. well as their enlightened self
interest and safety, when they are reminded OF
the IdcI IUdI ulldIlCidl poIAS anu NO4lAESS' ~
which the present condition tends, afford no
greater shelter or protection TO our manufac'
lures than TO our other important enterprises
Opportunity tor safe, careful and deliberate
reform is now offered; and none OF us should
be unmindful of time when an abused and
irrtated people. needless of those who have
resisted timely and reasonable relief, may in
sst upon radical and sweeping rectllcatlon
of their wrongs.
The difficulty attending wise and fair re-
vision of our tariff laws Is not underestl-
mated 1t will require on the part OF the
Congress great labor and care, and especially
a broad and national contemplation OF the
subject, and a patriotic disregard or SUCH
local and selfish claims are unreasonable
and reckless of the welfare OF the entire
country. ,ooo
Under our present laws more than ,UuO ar
ticIes are subject to duty. Many of these do
not in any way compete with our own manu-
features, and many are hardly worth atten-
ton as subjects of revenue. consluera0Ie
reduction can be made in the aggregate, by
adding them to the free list. The taxatlon
of luxuries presents no features of hardship;
but the necessities of life used and consumed
by all the people. the DUTY upon which aods
to the cost OF living IN every nome, shoulu pe
greatly cheapened.
The radical reduction of the duties imposed
unOn raw material used in manufactures or
it's free importation, is of course an important
factor in any effort to reduce the prlce or these
necessaries: it would not only re1eVe them
from the increased cost caused by the tarltI on
such material, but the manufactured prOducC
being thus cheapened, that part or the tarlH
now laid upon such product, as a cOmpenSa-
tion to our manufactures for the present price
ofraw material could be accordingly modlhed,
Such reduction, free Importation, would
serve beside to largely reduce the revenue. 1t
is not aDparent how such change can have
any INJURIOUS effect upon our manufacturers.
On the contrary, it would appear TO give
them better chance in foreign markets WIN
the manufacturers of other countries VINO
Al nIyf
our people might have the opportunity or eX-
tending their sales beyond the limits of home
consumptiOu-Saving them from tne oe-
preston, interruption In business, ana loss
caused by glutted domestic market. ana al
rording their employees more certain ana
steady labor with its resulting quiet and con-
tentment.
The question thus imperatively presented
for solution should be approached IN a sPirlo
higher than partisanshlp and consldered III
the light of that regard for patriotic duty
which should characterize the action OF those
intrusted with the veal of a cOnhdIng people
But the obligation to declared party polcy
and principle is not wanting to urge prompt
and effective action. Both of the great polltlcal
parties now represented IN the government
have, by repeated and authoritative decIara-
tious condemned the condition or our laws
which permit the collection from the people
of unnecessary revenue, and have IN the
mostssolemn manner promised Its correction;
and neither as citizens nor partIsans are our
J
crate violation of these pledges.
Our progress toward a wise conclusion VIII
not be improved by dwelling upon the theo-
ries of protection and free trade. This savorS
too much of bandying eplthets. 1t IS con-
ditiOn which cOnfrOntS uS-nOt theory.
Relief from this condition may involve
/ a slight reduction of the advantages
! which we award our home productions,
! but the entire withdrawal of such
| advantages should not be contemplated. The
question of free trade is absolutely irrelevant;
! and the persistent claim made in certain quar-
tiers that all efforts to relieve the people from
| unjust and unnecessary taxation are schemes
! of so-called free traders, is mischievous and
! far removed from any consideration for the
/ public good.
/ The simple and plain duty which we owe the
/ peopIe is to reduce taxation to the necessary
/ expenses of an economical operation of the
! Government and to restore to the business OF
/ the country the money which we hold IN the
/ treasury through the perversion of govern
/ mental powers. These things can and should
be done with safety to all our industries, with
! out danger to the opportunity for remunera,
I tive labor which our worklngmen need, and
| with benefit to them and all our people, by
/ cheapening their means of subsistence and
/ increasing the measure of their comforts.
/ The Constitution provides that the Presl-
! dent 'shall from time to time, give to the
/ CONGRESS information of the state OF the
( Union 1t has been the custom OF the Elk
ecutive i'll compliance with this provision, 10
annually exhibit to the Congress, at the
/ oneninp of its session. the general con
! ditiOn of the country, and to detail, with
some particularity, the operations OF TIE
1 different executive departments. ID would
be especially agreeable to follow thus course
all Tn